Vancouver’s North Shore is filled with beautiful animal residents to meet, admire, and photograph! Whether you’re a bona fide wildlife enthusiast who is keenly aware of migration routes or you’re cultivating the curiosity of little adventures in your pack, this is one of the top destinations in BC to appreciate nature in all its feathered and fuzzy glory.
Of course, we don’t need to tell you that before you head out in hopes of catching a glimpse of our more undomesticated community members, you should always remember to North Shore Like a Local. Which, when it comes to wildlife, boils down to three core tenets: Don’t touch, don’t feed, do not approach[a]! For your sake and the sake of any and all wild animals, it’s best we don’t mingle too closely. Imagine if someone came up to you during breakfast time and stepped into your personal space! The same rule applies here. Start with caution and common sense, then get ready to experience the magic of unplanned moments in nature. Have your camera ready and charged because these are a few of the characters you’re likely to meet in your wanderings.
Grinder and Coola
Starting with the biggest of the bunch, it admittedly can be a fairly rare occurrence to see any type of bear in the wild, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared and aware of hibernation schedules in the off chance that it happens! We recommend starting with two of our favourite grizzlies, Grinder and Coola, on Grouse Mountain. The long-term residents of the mountain-top grizzly enclosure, the duo will just be coming out of hibernation this time of year and safely viewable.
Outside of these two characters, the most frequently spotted bear types on the North Shore are black bears. A breed usually characterized as timid and curious, the most common places to see them are Lower mountain trails on Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour, and Capilano River Regional Park. Keep those locales in mind if you are exploring the area, and remember some of the important safety rules:
Remember that, as with any wild animal, if you do see a bear, do not approach them or encourage them to approach you! Bear-human interactions can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
Fancy yourself a birder? Whether you’re actively searching for them or not, the North Shore’s winged residents are likely to make an appearance wherever you roam. With vibrant plumage, distinctive calls, and the arrival of warmer spring weather, it’s easy to spot a wide variety of birds across the region. For a truly rich birding experience, head to Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, home to forest birds, woodpeckers, and owls. Or visit one of the North Shore’s top birding destinations, Maplewood Flats Conservation Area, where you’re likely to see shorebirds, herons, eagles, and other migratory species. In fact, more than 230 species have been recorded in Maplewood Flats alone!
Learn more about the birds you may encounter with the BC Bird Trail.
One of the most curious inhabitants of our lush shoreline, you might catch these adorable creatures watching you before you even know they’re there. A quick scan of the waves, and it won’t take long until you spot a little pair of eyes and a big set of whiskers coming up for air. Seals, sea lions (no, they’re not the same), and even some otters, have been seen in our local harbours playing and looking for food. If you’ve been searching for them on your waterside stroll but haven’t seen any yet, you might try a few of their local hangouts. In Deep Cove, the calm waters make it easy to see them popping their heads up and surveying the horizon. Along the rocky shoreline of Cates Park, they often haul out to rest and sunbathe. Then, in Lonsdale Quay and Sewell’s Marina, you’ll likely see mama seals and their pups gliding through the water in search of an easy meal when boats return to dock.
Seeing as Vancouver’s North Shore is surrounded by coastline, creeks and marshy areas, of course, there are going to be pint-sized creatures making their homes among the winding waterways. At Rice Lake, you’re sure to spot a few cute amphibians crawling, nesting, and just hanging out. Pointing out frogs and salamanders with kids is a great way to teach them about how small ecosystems are often the ones bursting with the most life. Inter River Park offers similar viewing opportunities, with walkways following the marshy habitat teeming with scaled-down activity.
Rice Lake, North Vancouver | IG: @oye_sharme
What are raptors exactly? They’re the glorious birds of prey that glide through our skies, surveying things below and brandishing large talons. With impressive wing spans, they’re not hard to spot, you just have to know where to look! Start at Cleveland Dam, where eagles and hawks are frequently seen gliding around the water, just waiting to swoop down on their next meal. Whytecliff Park is another hotspot with an excellent vantage point for seeing a variety of raptors and seabirds. These predators often don’t discriminate against small creatures, so if you are planning to visit these locales, it’s best to leave your smaller pets at home or on a short leash.
Grebe Islets, West Vancouver | IG: @jess_justt
